As a prelude to the celebration of the 8th International Day of Yoga-2022, the Indian community in Niger through the Indian Embassy celebrated Saturday, June 18, the said day. As a reminder, the International Day of Yoga has been celebrated around the world on June 21 of each year since 2015, following the adoption by the General Assembly of the United Nations of a resolution led by India in December 2014, with massive support from 175 countries. International Yoga Day aims to raise awareness around the world of the many benefits of practicing yoga. For reasons of convenience for the people of Niamey and to allow greater participation, the Embassy has chosen the day of June 18 to celebrate it. It was the Ambassador of the Republic of India to Niger, HE Prem Kumar Nair who presided over this activity in the presence of officials and his collaborators.
On this occasion, the Ambassador of the Republic of India to Niger, HE Prem Kumar Nair, explained that yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice, originating in India which is becoming more and more popular. in the world. The word “yoga” derives from Sanskrit and means to join or unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. “Yoga is a way of life, an integrated system of education of body, mind and inner spirit. Yoga is a practical aid, not a religion, and its techniques can be practiced by followers of all faiths. Yoga is a set of practices consisting of physical postures, breathing and relaxation techniques that promote physical and mental well-being. Yoga is more than a physical activity. In a world plagued by many challenges, more than a billion people look to yoga as a way to improve their physical, mental, spiritual and intellectual well-being,” he added.
According to HE Prem Kumar Nair, the beauty of yoga lies in its simplicity. All it takes is time and a little space. It does not require expensive gym memberships to stay fit and healthy. It can be practiced from the comfort of home as a daily 45 minute routine. “In these days where hectic lifestyles and hectic routines are the norm, yoga provides inner peace and tranquility. The rise in lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases has also attracted many people to yoga. In fact, yoga, with its universal appeal, has become part of various medical and sports physiotherapy and is also a tool for students to improve their concentration and reduce stress during exhausting exam periods,” he said. – he points out.
The theme of this edition “Yoga for Humanity”, “is particularly relevant for our world which has bravely faced a unique pandemic in the form of COVID-19”, declared the Ambassador of the Republic of India to Niger. Among the many lessons learned from the past two years, HE Prem Kumar Nair cited the crucial importance of staying fit and boosting one’s natural immunity and yoga practice has helped many people maintain their physical and mental well-being. .
Note that as part of the celebration of International Yoga Day this year, the Embassy of India in Niamey is organizing several sessions on the Common Yoga Protocol, which is a set of Yoga exercises selected by experts to practice by all. Several sessions have already taken place, the last session of which will be held on June 25 at Abdou Moumouni University in Niamey.
Mamane Abdoulaye(onep)
8th International Yoga Day-2022: Raising community awareness of the many benefits of practicing Yoga